KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday commenced its interrogation of Jyoti Priya Mallick, a West Bengal minister who was arrested in connection with a purported multi-crore rupees ration distribution scandal.
Mallick, aged 66 and holding the position of state forest minister, was taken to the ED office at the CGO complex in Salt Lake on Monday night after being declared fit and discharged from the hospital. He had been receiving medical treatment following a collapse in court on October 27.
According to an official, the ED's officers have begun questioning the minister to determine his involvement in the alleged scam. They have prepared a set of inquiries based on responses from Mallick's former aides and personal assistant.
Mallick is currently being interrogated by two ED officers, with his responses being meticulously recorded. Additionally, the ED is scrutinizing Mallick's financial status and the directorial roles held by his wife and daughter in three companies during his tenure as the state food and supplies minister from 2011 to 2021.
The central investigative agency is also questioning Amit De, who currently serves as Mallick's personal assistant, along with other associates as part of their ongoing inquiry.
(With agency inputs)